The Fraser Coast council has voted to explore options to purchase a church to expand the Maryborough Military Museum

A debate went ahead in council on Wednesday as the council weighs the purchase of a church building which would allow the Maryborough Military Museum to expand.

The Fraser Coast council has voted in favour of exploring funding options to purchase a church building, which would allow for the expansion of the Maryborough Military Museum.

The motion went before the council at Wednesday’s meeting and will follow the purchase of other historic buildings in the city, including the birthplace of Mary Poppins author PL Travers and the former baby clinic, both in Kent St.

“For some time now, the museum has exceeded capacity in its ability to display military history in their current site,” Councillor Paul Truscott said.

“Without a doubt, this museum is exceptional.

“It has been acknowledged as the second best military museum in Australia, second only to the National War Museum in Canberra.”

Cr Truscott said the council had voted in favour of working with the Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum to explore, in partnership with the State and Federal Governments, funding opportunities to acquire the building to facilitate its expansion.

Before the vote, Cr Truscott said there were pros and cons to the proposal, with the museum able to increase their displays, but adding to the council’s expenses.